One of his victims, Kenny Campbell, said he wanted an apology from the club.

‘Historic contacts’

In the statement issued on Wednesday, the club said allegations regarding abuse at Celtic Boys’ Club had first emerged in the 1990s.

It continued: “Although Celtic Football Club is an entirely separate organisation, we have always taken these allegations extremely seriously because of our historic contacts with Celtic Boys’ Club.

“All investigations by the police and other inquiries were given our full support. We encouraged any individuals involved to report all information to the police so that matters could be investigated fully.

“Celtic Football Club continues to encourage any victim of abuse to report these crimes to the police.”

Image captionKenny Campbell got to face Torbett in court

The club said it took steps to develop a new code of conduct and procedures to protect young people and became the first club in Scotland to appoint a safeguarding officer.

The statement concludes: “The abuse of children is an issue affecting many areas of society, including a large number of football clubs, sports clubs, youth organisations, educational institutions and religious bodies across Britain.

“Celtic Football Club strongly believes that children and young people involved in football have the right to protection from all forms of harm and abuse and is committed to ensuring this and to promoting their wellbeing through continued cooperation with our children and young people, parents and carers and the relevant authorities.”

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers said he was unable to elaborate on the club’s statement.

But speaking ahead of Thursday’s Europa League match against RB Leipzig, Rodgers expressed “empathy and sympathy” for the victims of such crimes.

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